Happy New Year! Wow, I cannot believe it’s already another year. I’m not sure about you, but I feel like 2020 and 2021 just flew by so fast. Is it just me or do you feel the same way? With everything that has been going on in our world as it relates to COVID-19, things have changed so quickly. I’m sure by now you’ve heard the phrase “New Year, New You” more times than you care to admit. In the past I may have heard this phrase, shrugged my shoulders and moved on, but this year is different. For those of us who are chronically ill we look forward to the new year in hopes it will be the year we see a change in our current circumstance. That things will be both new and different. We are looking forward to the day when we’re not limited by our disability. We’re able to do the things that we may have taken for granted in the past, things like going to the park with your kids, going for a long walk with our spouse or partner or just walking from room to room in your home without feeling like you’re going to pass out. That would be so amazing! If I’m honest, I look forward to that time.

When I think about what I’m most hopeful for in 2022, it’s a renewed sense of myself. What that means to me is really understanding who I am, what my God given talents are, what my purpose is and being able to simply walk in it. Being able to contribute in a meaningful way to my family and friends as well as those around me like my neighbors. When I say neighbor I mean that in the most general since, meaning anyone who is not a member of my family. To be able to have that feeling of hope and joy and peace. Peace that only comes from God. Peace within that no matter what my current situation is or my physical limitations are, I can still be used to Empower, Encourage and Inspire others. Especially those suffering from chronic illness. That’s important to me because it’s my experience that those living with chronic illness can at times feel less valuable because of our limitations. So I am looking forward to 2022 so I can step into all that I was created to be even though I am dealing with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Lyme Disease and more. Suffering in such great pain that it causes me to weep. In the midst of all these things I still want to help someone else. Rather it’s by sharing my own story to let others know they are not alone. I may not have personally met you, but I see you. I see you! And more importantly, God sees you! God has a plan for each of our lives. This test we are going through with our health will become our testimony that will impact someone else and give them hope that they can get through whatever they are facing.

With all that said, yes I am looking forward to 2022. I have a feeling it’s going to be good year. Better than the past 2 years, especially when you consider COVID-19 and the impact it has had on all of our lives. One goal that I am setting for myself is to eat better. I want to eat less meat…for those of you who know me you know that will be hard for me because I truly love a great steak! I want to eat more fruit and veggies and reduce the amount of sugar I consume. I am Celiac (can’t have Gluten) so I already live on a Gluten Free diet but I need to do better. I think that will help me not feel so sluggish during the day. Also drink a little less coffee!! What, did I just say drink less coffee?? Boy oh boy that’s gonna be hard. I LOVE COFFEE! Ha! Maybe substitute it for hot tea and maybe try drinking it with less milk.

So anyway, Happy New Year! I’d love to hear how you’re doing in 2022 and what your goals are. You can comment below are send an email to info@windyjcumberbatch.org. Please be sure to check out our foundation by visiting https://www.windyjcumberbatch.org/ where our goal is to Empower | Encourage | Inspire those living with chronic illness. You can also follow my podcast “Windy’s Journey” now streaming on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Thank you for stopping by and for all of your support! Be sure to follow and share with anyone that might benefit from hearing my story.

XO,

Windy